Two BCC players select their future college football teams on National Signing Day

Battle Creek Central's Parris Bolden is going to Central Michigan University as a preferred walk-on, signing on National Signing Day on Wednesday at BCC High School.(Photo: Bill Broderick/Battle Creek Enquirer)

Battle Creek Central's Parris Bolden believes he can play college football at the highest level. And by turning down some other options at lower levels and choosing to become a preferred walk-on at Central Michigan University, Bolden is out to show everyone he is right.

Bolden was one of two Battle Creek Central athletes announcing their college football plans on national signing day on Wednesday as part of ceremonies at the Battle Creek Central High School.

Along with Bolden's choice to go to CMU, Cristian Miller made his commitment official to play football at Albion College.

"It basically came down to me wanting to put myself in a position to compete at the highest level with the best competition, and I was given that chance at Central and I felt like I have to take advantage of that opportunity," Bolden said.

"There were some D-2 and NAIA schools chasing him. Then Central came in a month or two ago and said they really liked him, but said they were out of scholarships," Granger said. "For a bit, he was concerned about going in as a walk-on and how he was going to pay for that. But two or three weeks ago, he went up there and financial aid put together a package that made sense to him and his mom, and then that's when he decided that is where he wanted to go.

"I think the way he sees it, he believes in himself. He has overcome a lot of obstacles in his life. And this is just one more he can overcome, and he thinks he can earn his way into it at Central. He's a very athletic kid and I think eventually he will earn his spot up there."

Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0678. Follow him on Twitter: @billbroderick.